1 Capilano River Regional Park: This popular regional park features a network of trails that criss-cross the Capilano River that separates West Vancouver from North Vancouver. An extensive trail system on both sides of the Cleveland Dam leads to a variety of natural and historic sites. A walking trail parallel to a chain-link fence provides a somewhat obscure entrance into the British Properties subdivision at Glenmore Road.

2 Centennial Walk — Ambleside/Dundarave: The Lower Mainland’s most popular walking/cycling trail next to the Stanley Park seawall, the Centennial Seaview Walk is perhaps West Vancouver’s most-used recreation facility with its scenic views of the harbour, mountains and city skyline, while featuring a panoramic view of freighters and cruise ships travelling past the beach and under Lions Gate Bridge. The newest section from Park Royal to the Squamish First Nations land is part of the new Pacific Spirit Trail. Dog lovers note: the eastern end of Ambleside is off-leash canine heaven.

3 Lighthouse Park: Point Atkinson was first observed and named by Captain George Vancouver and marks the point where Burrard Inlet meets Howe Sound. . Point Atkinson served as the site of one of Canada’s first manned light stations in 1874 and the original building was replaced in 1912 with the building now preserved on the site. Old military buildings can be found near the lighthouse, remnants of the site’s military importance during Second World War. The lighthouse is a municipal landmark and can be seen from several viewpoints in the park. Many natural history features are contained within its boundaries.

4 Whytecliff Park: Located at the end of the 7000 block of Marine Drive just West of Horseshoe Bay. This beautiful corner of Howe Sound has a rugged coastline and spectacular views of colourful mountains and passing boats. Popular with scuba divers, the offshore waters became Canada’s first Salt Water Marine Protected Area in 1993. Whytecliff Park has ample upland trails winding through groves of arbutus, pine and Douglas fir, with magnificent views of Howe Sound and the distant Tantalus Range.

5 Cypress Mountain Provincial Park: One of West Vancouver’s earliest recreational areas, cypress takes its name from the yellow cypress tree which is but one of a dazzling array of west coast species. The park is home to some of the Lower Mainland’s easiest, child friendly hikes (the Yew Lake Interpretive Trail) and its most arduous (the Howe Sound Crest Trail). Snowshoeing, winter hiking, Nordic skiing are popular in winter, while skiing and snowboarding take place in the commercial winter recreation area that hosted the 2010 Winter Games.

6 Cypress Falls Park: Deep in the heart of one of West Vancouver’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, explore a hidden series of waterfalls and stunning old growth cedars up to 150 metres in height. You can even get in a game of tennis, afterwards. The walking loop takes about two hours to complete and is pretty much deserted in the middle of the week.

7 Nelson Canyon Park: One of West Vancouver’s newest parks, and a real beauty. Huge old growth trees, tumbling creeks, and a well maintained section of the Trans Canada Trail make this one of the North Shore’s show piece hikes. Nearby Whyte Lake is a worthwhile destination as well.

8 Eagle Harbour Beach Park: This tiny sliver of waterfront has long been favourite spot for sunbathers, swimmers, boaters, and fisherman. In the 20s, Eagle Harbour and adjacent Fisherman’s Cove once hosted a regatta, swimming and diving events, and its highly protected harbour is home to the West Vancouver Yacht Club.

9 Brothers Creek Heritage Forestry Walk: Beneath the canopy of second growth trees above the Upper Levels lies a fascinating history lesson in how logs were cut, transported, and milled from the slopes below Hollyburn Ridge and transported down the mountain via steam donkey and railway.

10 Sunset Beach Park: Contrary to what you might think, West Vancouver does not end at Horseshoe Bay, and indeed extends north up Howe Sound on both sides of the Sea to Sky Highway. Sunset Beach Park is perhaps the best place to see a sunset over Howe Sound, if you can find it!

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